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Large pickup truck: best utility
- Engine variety, performance
- Different body configurations
- Overall comfort, quietness
- Interior storage
- Tow capacity
- Spring-loaded tailgate
- Interior materials
- Steering response
- Styling
- Harsh ride
- Size could hinder off-road use
Reviewers applaud the Toyota Tundra's overall performance, handling and quiet, comfortable interior, saying it's closely matched against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (*est. $17,500 to $38,860) and GMC Sierra 1500 (*est. $17,500 to $42,120) pickups. Like its American competitors, the Toyota Tundra is offered with a large variety of engine, cab and bed configurations. Several critics single out its dashboard layout and the use of hard interior materials as downsides. For those who want the most car-like pickup, reviews give the edge to the Silverado. Yet the Tundra is also top-ranked and gets the nod for its utility and safety features.
The Tundra's top-of-the line 5.7-liter V-8 produces 381 horsepower and is generally well-regarded, but it adds around $3,000 to the MSRP. Editors at Truck Trend magazine say that it's worth the extra expense. The engine lineup is rounded out by a smaller 271-horsepower V-8 and a 4.0-liter, 236-horsepower V-6. Peak towing capacity of the Toyota Tundra is more than 10,000 pounds on properly equipped pickups, and EPA fuel economy ranges from 15 to 17 mpg in the city to 18 to 20 mpg on the highway, depending on the truck configuration.
Edmunds.com provides a credible, detailed review of the 2008 Toyota Tundra that covers all the key aspects and compares it with its competitors from General Motors, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Consumer Reports magazine's subscriber-only review is less detailed but also places a focus on reliability and safety. Truck Trend magazine names the Tundra its 2008 Truck of the Year, and it singles out the Tundra CrewMax model as the "Best in Class" crew cab. Car and Driver magazine provides a short buying guide summary, while ConsumerGuide.com's review goes into greater detail.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com feels the Tundra should be a top choice for buyers of full-size pickups. They praise its good performance, handling and ability to function as a truck. Editors like the variety of options, but they aren't as happy with the hard plastic interior surfaces. Some don't favor its styling.
Review: 2008 Toyota Tundra Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports is unique in that it evaluates vehicles in terms of predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data. A short analysis on the Tundra focuses mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.
Review: Toyota Tundra Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
3. Truck Trend
Truck Trend's annual Truck of the Year award for 2008 goes to the Toyota Tundra, following testing on and off road, loaded and unloaded. Williams feels the Tundra is ready to take on the domestics, and he praises its wide range of engine, cab, bed and trim options.
Review: 2008 Truck of the Year Winner: 2008 Toyota Tundra, Mark Williams
4. Truck Trend
Truck Trend selects the Toyota Tundra CrewMax as the best-in-class crew cab pickup. Editors praise the Tundra's optional 5.7-liter V-8, but they don't like the dash very much. Still, Truck Trend claims the Tundra is an easy choice.
Review: Truck Trend's Best in Class 2008, Editors of Truck Trend
Consumer Guide feels that the Toyota Tundra's base V-8 accelerates well, but they say the optional 5.7-liter unit may be a better choice for buyers with hauling or towing needs. Editors feel that the Tundra is a comfortable, viable alternative to Ford and GM trucks, and they give it a "Recommended" designation.
Review: 2008 Toyota Tundra, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 17, 2008
6. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver claims that the Tundra has plenty of power, and editors praise its 10,000-plus pound tow rating. They like the attention to detail found in the Tundra, but they find it rides harshly compared with some other trucks. Although Car and Driver gives the Tundra low consumer and enthusiast ratings, they report that they have no major complaints.
Review: 2008 Toyota Tundra – Review, Editors of Car and Driver, May 2008
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